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Monday, September 1, 2014

Mixed Media Abstract Art DIY




As much as I love art, it can be crazy expensive.  Especially abstract art!  And although I dream of owning a home full of original art by my famous artist friends, it's not happening at the moment.  We do have some pieces from our friend's who are artists, but it's a slow process to build an art collection that is cohesive and interesting.

This is actually a mixed media abstract.  Which I love because it is less daunting and more cost effective than painting your own piece.  The process is super fun too!  


Supplies:
Tissue Paper
Mod Podge
Acrylic Paint
Bristol Board
Gold Leaf & Accesories
Paint Brushes


Squirt about a tablespoon of paint into your bowls and then add about a cup.  Make sure your paint is mixed well.  Then tear off pieces of tissue paper and dye it.  You can add more paint or water depending on how saturated you want your piece to be. Or you can let it sit for a longer period of time.  Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.  Have fun with the process! It's totally like dying easter eggs.  Except your priorities have shifted from plastic eggs to original abstract artist.  Mini you would be so proud.  Also how cool are you?! 


Mix about a tablespoon of Mod Podge with 1/2 cup of water.  Brush the mixture onto the paper in sections, being careful to not soak the paper.


Apply the tissue paper and smooth with fingers.  This is where the art really comes to life. You can layer pieces of tissue paper over each other to create contrast and texture.  Try tearing the tissue paper into different sizes and shapes.  To me, my pieces started looking like mountains.  Kinda cool, right?


After the piece is dry, apply the gold leaf adhesive. I picked one "line" and followed it along the edges.  


Apply the gold leaf.  It doesn't have to be perfect! It kind of takes on an organic shape, which I love.


Brush off the excess gold leaf.  Let the piece dry overnight & then frame.




I really like how they turned out.  It sort of feels like a water color meets Japanese Ink Art.  The paint sort of blends and does its own thing while you are applying the tissue paper.  For how easy it is, it looks complicated and interesting which is totally my jam.



And if you want it even easier, you can win one that I made complete with the frame!  I always make a couple of the projects that I share, so why not share the love? There's two ways to enter:

Follow Be Home Soon on bloglovin'
or
Follow me on Instagram and comment on this photo with where you would hang this if you won it

The winner will be chosen totally at random & the giveaway ends on Friday, September 5th. 

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED**

Happy Labor Day! Here's to Netflix binging in pajamas all day long!

P.S. And as always thanks to my best friend Lyndi, who comes over at 9 am to let me boss her around while I take pictures.  








2 comments:

  1. Kudos Casey! I'm teaching abstract expressionism right now and most of the kids have no appreciation for abstract art whatsoever. These remind me of seascapes or mountains.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, sweet Kate! That means a lot coming from an awesome art teacher!!

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